Upper Endoscopy

To accomplish a safe and complete examination, the stomach should be empty. The patient will most likely be asked to have nothing to eat or drink for six hours or more before the procedure.

Before scheduling the procedure, the patient should inform his or her physician of any medications being taken, any allergies, and all known health problems. This information will help the doctor determine whether the patient may need antibiotics before the procedure and what potential medications should not be used during the exam. The information will provide the individual with scheduling the procedure an opportunity to instruct the patient whether any of the medicines should be held or adjusted before the endoscopy.

The patient’s knowledge of any significant health problems, such as heart or lung diseases, will alert the doctor of a possible need for special attention during the procedure.